Geranium cinereum 'PURPLE PILLOW'

Cranesbill is a genus comprising of about 300 species. It is commonly used as a ground-covering perennial which can quickly form a respectable carpet. When in full bloom it offers a solid, one-colour show which in mass plantings looks stunning. Thanks to low growth it mostly finds its place under trees and shrubs, as well as in mixed borders along with other perennials.

Ashy cranesbill is a dwarf cranesbill species from the Pyrenees. In 1989 John Ravenscroft made this selection as an improvement of a former variety called Laurence Flatman. Purple Pillow bears small, 2-2.5 cm across, much deeper, magenta-purple flowers on trailing stems from late May until early July, and sparsely throughout the summer. The leaves are evergreen, palmate, mid green, and deeply lobed. As the name suggests it naturally forms small, mounded cushions. Patented in 2000 under PP12,829.

Ashy cranesbill is a sun-loving species that needs free-draining soil and does not tolerate wet ground. Grow it in full sun or just light shade in sandy, loam-based soil. It is hardy to about -29°C (USDA zone 5).

Last update 13-01-2013